Behind the Smile (Paperback)

Rob Goddard

ISBN 10: 064893862X / ISBN 13: 9780648938620

Published by Dean Publishing, 2025

About this Item

Paperback. We all wear masks. They protect us.They help us fit in. But they don't define us.Growing up as a gay kid in a small town, Rob Goddard learned early on that survival meant adaptation. The Mask of Conformity ensured he blended in, avoiding scrutiny. Later, as he navigated the unpredictability of an alcoholic parent, the Mask of the Rescuer became a shield against pain. Throughout his life, the Mask of Approval made him seek validation, molding himself to fit the expectations of others.As life continued, the Mask of Independence taught him to rely on no one but himself. And when the weight of it all became too much, the Mask of Normalcy allowed him to pretend everything was fine, even when it wasn't.But with every challenge-uncertainty, loss, grief-he added more masks, each one promising protection but slowly eroding his true self. Until one day, he realized: the masks he wore to survive were suffocating the person he was meant to be.liftingstones.comThrough raw personal stories, powerful insights, and deep reflection, Behind the Smile invites you to: Recognize the masks you wear and why you wear themUnderstand when they serve you and when they hold you backRedefine vulnerability as a source of strengthLet go of unrealistic expectations and the need to fit inBuild deeper, more meaningful connectionsLive with unapologetic authenticityThe time has come to shed the masks that no longer serve you.Step into the most unfiltered, liberated version of you-because your healing and transformation begin now. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780648938620

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Behind the Smile (Paperback)
• Publisher: Dean Publishing
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 064893862X
• ISBN 13: 9780648938620
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

We all wear masks. They protect us.

They help us fit in. But they don't define us.

Growing up as a gay kid in a small town, Rob Goddard learned early on that survival meant adaptation. The Mask of Conformity ensured he blended in, avoiding scrutiny. Later, as he navigated the unpredictability of an alcoholic parent, the Mask of the Rescuer became a shield against pain. Throughout his life, the Mask of Approval made him seek validation, molding himself to fit the expectations of others.

As life continued, the Mask of Independence taught him to rely on no one but himself. And when the weight of it all became too much, the Mask of Normalcy allowed him to pretend everything was fine, even when it wasn't.

But with every challenge-uncertainty, loss, grief-he added more masks, each one promising protection but slowly eroding his true self. Until one day, he realized: the masks he wore to survive were suffocating the person he was meant to be.

Through raw personal stories, powerful insights, and deep reflection, Behind the Smile invites you to:

• Recognize the masks you wear and why you wear them
• Understand when they serve you and when they hold you back
• Redefine vulnerability as a source of strength
• Let go of unrealistic expectations and the need to fit in
• Build deeper, more meaningful connections
• Live with unapologetic authenticity

The time has come to shed the masks that no longer serve you.

Step into the most unfiltered, liberated version of you-because your healing and transformation begin now.

liftingstones.com.au

About the Author

Rob Goddard is an author, Master NLP Practitioner, and Life Coach, as well as a health and wellness advocate with over a decade of experience in coaching, bodywork, and personal development.As the founder of Lifting Stones Coaching, he specializes in helping individuals shed emotional masks and navigate major life transitions, including career shifts, relationships, or stepping into a new chapter of self-discovery. Through hard-earned wisdom and psychological insights, he empowers individuals to break free from limiting patterns and beliefs, achieve personal breakthroughs, and embrace their authentic selves.Beyond coaching, Rob finds inspiration in nature, thrives on deep conversations, and is committed to continuous learning and growth-both for himself and those he guides.